Burlington, VT – Mayor Miro Weinberger released the following statement today in response to the City Council’s unanimous approval of a zoning amendment related to the Cambrian Rise project:

“City Council’s unanimous passage on Monday night of a zoning change to make possible the proposed Cambrian Rise project represents the achievement of a major milestone for this important project, and for the City’s long-term recreation, open space, and housing goals for that property. The new zoning effectively balances the desire for preserving green space in the heart of our City, enhancing waterfront access for residents, and creating new homes for all income levels and ages. The zoning will allow the realization of long-held City principles (below), first articulated by former Mayor Clavelle’s administration in 2001 and updated in 2014.”

Housing that will serve a range of income types and provide opportunity for both home ownership and rental opportunities

A significant portion of the land retained as open space for the public to enjoy

Public access to the beach area and the bike path through property similar to the current access

The entire waterfront area west of bike path maintained as public space

Substantial community gardens

Protection for the bluffs directly east of the bike path from any construction and development

Sensitivity during development to the protection of significant natural features, especially the path and tree-scape on the bluffs, including the rare pine-oak-heath sandplain forest at the Northwest corner of the property

Encouragement of neighborhood commercial/small business use that serves the local neighborhood

Revitalization of Burlington’s Old North End, specifically by adding commerce along North Avenue; and

Support for alternative modes of transportation to minimize traffic impacts